Former East Texas constable pleads guilty

A former East Texas constable has pleaded guilty to running a security operation without a license and theft by a public servant. Both charges are Class A Misdemeanors.

Dustin Rust, who resigned as Smith County Precinct Three Constable in August, was accused of using county resources to operate the security company.

According to the plea deal, Rust will serve two years probation for running the security operation and two years deferred adjudication probation for the theft charge. Restitution has already been paid in full, meaning Rust will not pay a fine.

Rust also admitted guilt to a charge of abuse of official capacity, a state felony that was dropped by the court because he admitted his guilt.

"Today he's acknowledged his guilt, he's plead guilty, restitution of $7,698 has been paid back to the taxpayers of Smith County, and we're not going to spend another penny on Dustin Rust. This matter is concluded with us," said Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham.

Rust has been under investigation since four deputies were accused of using county gasoline while working on a private security patrol in Tyler.

Rust turned himself in to the Smith County Jail back in April, just hours after warrants were issued for his arrest. He bonded out just over an hour later. Rust was accompanied by several other people, including his father, Donn Rust.

Rust waived his right to appeal. If he violates probation, the State can file a motion to revoke probation and he can be sentenced to a year in the Smith County Jail.

Rust also lost his TECLOSE license for up to ten years. Without the license, he cannot be a peace officer.

The Houston County Sheriff Office is searching for a missing elderly man, Frank Roth. According to the HCSO, Roth was last seen walking his dog Friday near the Grapeland Country Club. Roth was last wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The Houston County Sheriff Office is searching for a missing elderly man, Frank Roth. According to the HCSO, Roth was last seen walking his dog Friday near the Grapeland Country Club. Roth was last wearing a blue sweatshirt and blue jeans.

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An early morning accident claims the life of a pedestrian on an East Texas train track. Daingerfield police confirm it happened just before 9AM Saturday near the downtown circle of Webb Street and Coffey Street. According to the police department, a man was struck by a train near the location and killed. At this time, it is not known whether the victim was trying to cross the tracks when struck. The man’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. This ...More >

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A Leawood family lost their legal battle with Johnson County law enforcement. The Harte family sued in federal court after their home was raided. Investigators suspected the two former CIA agents were drug dealers, but it turns out the family was growing tomatoes in their basement as part of a family science project. They say they're disappointed in the verdict, but plan to appeal. They say the case is about what information can get you in Kansas when you become t...More >

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